Get Some Protein in Your Meatless Monday by Infusing Your Dishes with Nut Butters

We all know that nut butters -- whether they are made from almonds, cashews or peanuts -- are full of delicious flavor and nutrients. However, we tend to usually enjoy these in their most classic iterations: on a sandwich, as a dip for fruit and even for baking. But listen, with plenty of healthy fats and a ton of protein, creamy nut butters are an ideal addition to sauces, dressings, soups and other meatless mains. Check out a few of my fave recipes here.

Creamy Fettuccine with Peas and Basil: Thanks to the cashew butter, this pasta recipe has all the creaminess of traditional alfredo — sans all the saturated fat: Since the cashew butter is replacing the heavy cream, it also adds a protein boost to this otherwise light-and-fresh pasta dish.

Spiced Apple and Almond Butter Wrap: This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal that can come together in minutes. The whole wheat tortilla topped with almond butter, apple slices and pumpkin pie spice has all the great seasonal fall flavors we’re continually, well, falling for. Sauteing the apples makes this the perfect warm meatless meal for chilly nights, too.

Tofu and Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing: If you have been wanting to try tofu but haven’t quite worked up the guts to do so, this is the baby-step, toes-in-the-water recipe for you to try. Classic Asian flavors star in this dish, thanks to the sesame oil used to saute the tofu. There’s also the dressing, made from peanut butter, yogurt and soy sauce which creates an Asian-inspired taste without a ton of cals.